Spray head

ABSTRACT

A spray head for use with or in combination with a beverage making apparatus. The spray head receives liquid from a liquid dispensing path of the beverage making apparatus and distributes liquid over a beverage making substance retained in close proximity to the spray head. The spray head includes a body portion ( 14 ) having a lip ( 15 ) extending generally from a periphery of the body portion. A plurality of holes ( 20 ) are formed extending through at least the lip portion. A connector ( 49 ) is provided for removably attaching the spray head to the beverage making apparatus. The spray head is removable from the beverage making apparatus for facilitating direct contact cleaning of the surfaces of at least the body of the spray head to remove particles and mineral deposits therefrom.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/378,579 filed May 6, 2002 and60/464,836 filed Apr. 23, 2003 which is expressly incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure is generally directed to a spray head which can bedisassembled for cleaning. In particular, disclosed is a spray headwhich is designed to dispense heated water over a beverage makingsubstance, for example ground coffee, which is located in a beveragemaking substance holder or funnel of a beverage maker.

Spray heads are used in beverage making equipment to dispense anddistribute water to a beverage making substance. These spray heads areattached to a water delivery line generally in an upper housing portionof the beverage maker. Such spray heads are generally enclosedstructures with a threaded mounting portion for threaded attachment toand removal from the water delivery line. A portion of the spray headincludes one or more holes through which water is dispensed.

One of the problems with currently available spray heads is that theytend to trap particles carried in the water delivered in the waterdelivery line. Such particles are difficult to quickly remove from theenclosed spray head. Further, depending on the condition of the water,spray heads tend to accumulate mineral deposits from dissolved mineralscarried in the water. It can be time consuming to try to remove suchmineral deposits from the inside surface of the enclosed spray heads.

Also, currently available spray heads may not provide for broaddispensing of heated water onto a wide surface area of the beveragemaking substance. The disclosure provides a spray head which can beremoved for cleaning and which can disperse water over a wide surfacearea of the beverage making substance.

The disclosure provides a spray head for dispersing heated water over awide surface area of beverage making substance.

The disclosure provides a spray head which is removable from thebeverage maker to allow for cleaning.

Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, disclosed is a spray headfor use with or in combination with a beverage making apparatus. Thespray head receives liquid from a liquid dispensing path of the beveragemaking apparatus and distributes liquid over a beverage making substanceretained in close proximity to the spray head. The spray head includes abody portion having a lip extending generally from a periphery of thebody portion. A plurality of holes are formed extending through at leastthe lip portion. A connector is provided for removably attaching thespray head to the beverage making apparatus. The spray head is removablefrom the beverage making apparatus for facilitating direct contactcleaning of the surfaces of at least the body of the spray head toremove particles and mineral deposits therefrom.

Additional features will become apparent to those skilled in the artupon consideration of the following detailed description of drawingsexemplifying the best mode as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spray head assembly;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational, partial fragmentary view of a spray headassembly diagrammatically illustrated on a beverage maker or brewer;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the spray head as shown inFIG. 1 showing a top portion, bottom portion and retainer;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic partial fragmentary cross-sectional view of abeverage funnel in which the spray head is positioned for dispensingwater onto beverage making substance such as ground coffee retained inthe funnel;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial fragmentary cross-sectional sideelevational view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a spray head;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the spray headtaken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a nut with channels shown in broken line;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevational view taken along line 9-9in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a third embodiment of the spray head;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional side elevational view taken along line11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fourth embodiment of the spray head;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional side elevational view taken along line13-13 in FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the spray headsimilar to that as shown in FIG. 5 in which the top portion has beeninverted to direct a neck inwardly toward a cavity defined between thetop and bottom portions to facilitate restriction of flow into thecavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the present disclosure may be susceptible to embodiment indifferent forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will bedescribed in detail, embodiments with the understanding that the presentdescription is to be considered an exemplification of the principles ofthe disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure to thedetails of construction and the arrangements of components set forth inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings.

Terms including beverage and beverage making as used herein are intendedto be broadly defined as including but not limited to the brewing ofcoffee, tea and any other brewed beverage. This broad interpretation isalso intended to include, but is not limited to any process of infusing,steeping, reconstituting, diluting, dissolving, saturating or passing aliquid through or otherwise mixing or combining a beverage substancewith a liquid such as water without a limitation to the temperature ofsuch liquid unless specified. This broad interpretation is also intendedto include, but is not limited to beverage substances such as groundcoffee, tea, liquid beverage concentrate, powdered beverage concentrate,freeze dried coffee or other beverage concentrates, to obtain a desiredbeverage or other food.

With reference to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a spray head 10 isshown. With further reference to FIG. 3, the spray head 10 is shown inan exploded perspective view having a body 25 in the form of a bottom14, top 16 and retainer 18. With reference to FIG. 5, the top 16 ispositioned overlying the bottom 14. Perimeter edges 22, 24 of the top 16and bottom 14, respectively, are generally aligned. As shown in FIG. 5,the retainer 18 is formed to define a channel 30. The channel 30 issized and dimensioned to fit over the aligned edges 22, 24. In thismanner, the sealing member 18 acts to hold the top 16 and bottom 14 inengagement. While the retainer 18 is referred to as a sealing member orgasket, it will be appreciated that primary function of this componentis to provide means for retaining the top 16 and bottom 14 together.While there may be situations where a seal may be desired it will beappreciated that the retaining means 18 should be broadly interpreted.Also, while the term sealing is used in reference to the illustratedversion of the retainer 18, it may not completely seal the spray headand prevent all leakage although in the same situations such sealing maybe desirable.

When the top 16 and bottom 14 are connected using the retainer 18, aninterior surface 29 of the top 16 and interior surface 26 of the bottom14 define a cavity 32 there between. A beverage making apparatus in theform of a brewer 36 of known construction has a water dispensing path 42in the form of a dispensing tube. Brewer 36 is of known constructionsuch as a beverage brewing device manufactured and sold by Bunn-O-MaticCorporation of Springfield, Ill., assignee of the present application.Such brewers typically include a hot water reservoir which dispenses hotwater through a dispensing tube 42 onto beverage brewing substance 56retained in a funnel 61. The spray head 10 is attached to a hot waterdispensing tube 42 and a brewer 36 in the manner as shown in FIG. 2. Hotwater 38 (shown diagramatically by the arrow 38) flows into the tube 42and into the cavity 32 communicating with the tube 42. It should benoted that a connector 49, in the forms of a neck 50 is provided on thetop portion 16 for attaching the spray head to the brewer 36. Theconnector 49 includes internal threads 52 provided on the neck 50corresponding to external threads 82 provided on the tube 42. In thismanner, the spray head 10 can be threadedly attached to the tube 42.Water flowing through the tube 42 flows through the connector 49 at theneck 50 and tube 42 and into the cavity 32.

With reference to FIG. 14, the top 16 has been inverted from theposition as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5. The orientation of the topportion 16 has been inverted so that the neck 50 extends inwardly intothe cavity 32 defined between the top portion and bottom portion 16, 14.The neck 50 is used to engage the threads 84 on the tube 42 to securethe spray head 10 to the tube 42. The dimension of extension 86 by whichthe shoulder 50 extends from the base 80 of the top 16 can be designedso as to provide a desired resultant effect. The effect is that theextension of the shoulder 50 into the cavity 32 acts as a flowrestrictor for the water 38 flowing through the tube 42. In this regard,the dimension of extension 86 is related to the outlet distance 88generally defined between the outlet end 90 of the neck 50 and theinside surface 26 of the bottom 14. In other words, a greater dimension88 between the outlet end 90 and the inside surface 26 results ingreater flow rate of water 38 from the tube 42 into the cavity 32. Byincreasing the dimension of extension 86, thereby reducing the dimension88, the rate of flow of water 38 from the tube 42 is restricted.

Within the scope of the present disclosure, it is envisioned that one ormore tops 16 can be provided with a spray head assembly 10 in which eachof the tops has a dimension of extension 86 of the neck 50 which isdifferent. In this regard, a variety of flow rates can be achieved bychanging the top 16. Similarly, maximum flow rate can be achieved byplacing the top 16 in the condition as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 wherebythe neck 50 extends outwardly away from the assembly 10.

Water flowing into the cavity 32 exits through a series of interiorholes 12 and perimeter holes 20. It should be noted that the bottom isformed with a peripheral lip 15 positioned generally at the perimeter ofthe bottom portion 14. The lip 15 has an arcuate or angled portion 17which is generally outwardly convex. The perimeter holes 20 are formedin this curved arcuate portion 17. The interior holes 12 are generallyformed through a planar or generally flat area 54. The interior holes 12are located generally spaced around a center 19 of the bottom portion 14radially internally from the lip 15.

Heated water dispensed through the delivery line 42 flows into thecavity 32 and exits through the holes 12, 20. Water flowing through theholes 12, 20 flows outwardly onto a beverage brewing substance 56. Withreference to FIG. 4 water 60 flowing through the perimeter holes isemitted in a generally outwardly and downwardly directed pattern. Thedirected spray pattern results from the perimeter holes 20 pointing thewater to flow initially outwardly at an angle before descending to thebeverage brewing substance 56 below. This pattern helps to disperse thewater in an outwardly pattern to improve saturation of the beveragebrewing substance 56. The spray pattern formed as a result of thecircumferentially or peripherally placed perimeter holes 20 formed inthe arcuate portion 17 generally approximates a frustum or frustoconical shape.

The spray head as shown and described in FIGS. 1-5 is the firstembodiment of several embodiments disclosed herein. With reference tothis first embodiment, the spray head top and bottom portions may beformed of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, or rubber.Although the embodiment shows a generally circular spray headconfiguration, the spray head may be shaped in other configurationsincluding but not limited to other geometric shapes or patterns such asa triangle, square, rectangle, or oval.

The generally axially symmetrical configuration of the spray head 10shown in the figures facilitates easy attachment and removal of theretainer 18. In this regard, the retainer 18 could be formed of anappropriate elastomeric material such as a suitable latex, vinyl,rubber, silicone or any other suitable material. More specifically, theretainer 18 could be ethylene-propylene having 70±5 durometer.Generally, it is desirable to form this material of a generallyelastomeric structure so that it can be stretched over the edges 22, 24to engage the channel 30 with the edges 22, 24. The generally elastic orflexible nature of the retainer 18 allows the gasket structure to beremoved from and attached to the top 16 and bottom 14 portions. Theelastic characteristics also provide some degree of sealing of thecavity 32 defined between the top 16 and bottom 14.

While a channel 30 is shown it will be appreciated that a continuousband or compressible band which does not have a defined channel could beused and deformed or stretched over the edges 22, 24 to provide theholding or retaining function. It should also be understood that aspring band with an over center latch, a removable adhesive or one ormore side mounted chips, as well as any number of other alternatives,fully within the scope of the retaining means disclosed herein couldprovide this retaining function. Moreover, while the retainer 18 isshown to be positioned around the edges 22, 24, it is envisioned that asuitable retainer 18 could be attached to the top and bottom in a mannerwhich passes over the edges 22, 24 but does not necessarily cover theouter perimeter of the edges 22, 24. In this regard, such a retainer 18may cross over the faces 80, 82 (see FIG. 5) of the top 16 and bottom14. Furthermore, the retainer may be in the form of clips, fasteners,protrusions or other devices which are separately attached to or formedon the top and bottom portions 16, 14.

Generally, the retainer is intended to be broadly interpreted as anydevice which can hold the top and bottom portions together yet isremovable to facilitate disassembly of the top and bottom portions 16,14. In at least one embodiment the retainer 18 is embodied in a formwhich facilitates tool-less removal of the retainer 18. It is envisionedthat other embodiments may require tools. However, each of theseembodiments generally does not require damage or breakage of theconnection between the top 16 and bottom 14 to disassemble the sprayhead. In other words, if the spray head is formed of metal, the assemblywould not require severing or otherwise breaking material welds betweenthe top 16 and bottom 14.

It is desirable to be able to remove the retainer 18 or “open” the sprayhead 10 to facilitate cleaning of the spray head. It is not uncommon forparticles or mineral deposits to flow through the dispensing line 42into the spray head cavity 32. Many such particles or mineral depositsmay flow through the holes 12, 20. However, some particles may be toolarge to flow through these holes and as a result may accumulate in thecavity 32. Additionally, it is not uncommon in a brewing environment forminerals carried in the water to become deposited and/or accumulate inthe spray head 10. As a result, it would be desirable to clean theinside of the spray head 10 on a regular basis.

The easy removal of the retainer 18 helps to facilitate regular cleaningof the spray head. In this regard, in order to clean the spray head theretainer 18 is removed from the edges 22, 24. All of the surfacesincluding the interior surfaces 29, 26 can be cleaned by direct contactby wiping or scrubbing to remove any particles or deposits.Additionally, due to the open draining nature of the spray head 10 asdisclosed, these components can be placed in a dishwashing or sanitizingunit to enhance the cleaning and sanitation of the spray head. The sprayhead 10 can be disassembled and reassembled without the use of any toolsor specialized training.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spray head 10 is attachable to the delivery line42 in the threaded manner as described above. It should be noted thatmany brewers include a sump area 34 defining an interior sump surface31. The sump area 34 allows for placement of the spray head 10 out ofthe way of a brewing funnel 61 which is positioned beneath the sprayhead 10. In this regard, this funnel 61 is inserted in a generallysliding motion under an overhanging portion 62 of the brewer 36. Thealignment of the funnel 61 under the spray head 10 positions it above acarafe 66 dispensing brewed coffee or other beverages into the carafe66. In many brewers, a vent line 68 is positioned to communicate withthe sump area 34. The vent 68 connects to a heated water reservoir. Inthe event some water or steam is vented through the vent line 68, itdrains into the sump area 34 and into the underlying funnel. The sprayhead 10 of the present disclosure can be sized and dimensioned to fit insump areas of virtually any size. Additionally, by attaching the sprayhead 10 to the dispense line 42 with the spray head 10 being in a sealedor closed configuration independent of the sump, the vent line 68 stillcan communicate with the sump. In other words, a space 70 is providedbetween an outside surface 72 of the sealing member 18 and the sump 34wall.

The funnel 61 has a mouth 96 through which water is received from thespray head 10 and an outlet 98 though which beverage is dispensed. Thespray head 10 has a radial dimension or diameter 100 which is smallerthan a diameter 102 the mouth 96 and which is larger than the diameter104 of the outlet 98. These dimensional relationships help to providecoverage of the beverage making substance with water when makingbeverage. The outwardly angled flow 106 of water flowing from the holes20 helps to provide thorough coverage of the substance 56 with water 60.

FIG. 2 shows a brewer 36 which is generally of a smaller scale such asmight be used to produce individual volumes or carafes 66 of coffee orportions thereof. It is envisioned that the spray head as disclosed maybe used with a variety of beverage making apparatus regardless of howlarge or how small. In this regard, the spray head 10 can be scaled toaccommodate smaller devices as well as larger devices. While there maybe some dimensional characteristics and perhaps minor changes in thematerials required to accommodate the changes in size, the overallstructure and function of the spray head will remain the same andconsistent with that as disclosed. It is intended that this disclosure,including the attached figures, is to be broadly interpreted and applyto any number of situations in which the spray head may be applicable.The spray head may be used in devices other than the beverage makingapparatus 36 as disclosed herein. For example, this type of spray headmay be applicable to other industries which, in broad terms, requirewater or other liquids to be dispensed from a spray head 10. The sprayhead disclosed herein provides the benefits of easy, tool-lessdisassembly and reassembly and the ability to clean with direct accessand contact all of the surfaces of the spray head as the result of beingable to disassemble the spray head.

Additionally, the use of an elastomeric material for the retainer 18provides a dual purpose of sealing or holding the top portion 16 andbottom portion 14 as well as provided a gripping structure or surface onthe spray head 10. It is envisioned that other structures and surfacescan be provided on the spray head 10, for example dimples or grippingrecesses are described in embodiments disclosed below. Additionally, theelastomeric or other gripping material can be applied as a coating to anexternal surface 74 of the spray head 10 to enhance gripping andengagement.

In use, the spray head 10 as disclosed in one embodiment is provided asa single piece body composed of three components including the top 16,bottom 14 and retainer or holding means 18. The spray head 10 can beattached to the dispense line 42 of a brewer 36 by threading theinternal threads 52 on the neck 50 into engagement with correspondingthreads 84 provided on the corresponding end of the tube 42. Theretainer 18 or other structure is provided for gripping the spray headwhile screwing it into position on the tube 42. A space 70 is providedbetween the exterior surface 72 of the retainer 18. The space 70facilitates venting through the vent line 68 into the sump area 34.Heated water dispensed through the dispense line 42 into the spray headenters the spray head and flows into the cavity 32 defined between thetop and bottom portions 16, 14. Water in the cavity 32 flows through theholes 12, 20. The pattern formed by the perimeter holes 20 is thatgenerally of a frustum or frusto-conical shape. As such, the spraypatter facilitates spraying in the central area (water flowing generallydownwardly through the interior holes 12) and the outer areas (waterflowing generally outwardly at an angle through the perimeter holes 20)to thoroughly saturate the beverage brewing substance 56 retained in thefunnel 61.

In order to clean the spray head, the spray head is gripped andunthreaded from the tube 42 to remove it from the brewer. Once removed,the retainer is disengaged from the edges 22, 24 to disassemble the top16 from the bottom. For example, one edge 90 defining the channel 30 ofthe retainer 18 can be flexibly displaced from the top edge 22. This isdone by use of finger gripping the edge 90 and peeling or displacing itfrom the edge 22. Once an initial start has occurred, the remainder ofthe retainer 18 tends to be removed quite easily. When disassembled, theinterior surfaces 29, 26 as well as exterior surfaces of the top 16 andbottom 14 can be manually cleaned or placed in an appropriatedishwashing or sanitation device. In the event that particles or mineraldeposits lodge in the holes 12, 20, the generally open structure of thetop and bottom portions 16, 14 allow the person cleaning the spray head10 to use an appropriate instrument to dislodge such particles ordeposits.

The spray head 10 as disclosed will not require any tools for attachmentor removal relative to the brewer 36 and does not require any tools fordisassembly or reassembly. Reassembly generally starts by engaging theedges 22, 24 in the channel 30. Once a portion of the channel 30 hasbeen fitted over the edges 22, 24 the remainder of the channel can besimilarly positioned. At some point a substantial portion of theretainer has been positioned over the edges 22, 24 and the remainingportion of the retainer 18 must be stretched slightly to fit over theedges. All of the surfaces and structures can be manually cleaned orautomatically cleaned. While a variety of materials can be used, it isenvisioned that it is preferable in the disclosed application that afood grade quality approved or certified material will be used asappropriate.

Having described a first embodiment of the spray head 10, additionalembodiments will be disclosed. The additional embodiments are based onthe same principals a the first embodiment and are within the scope ofthe present disclosure. In the description of the additionalembodiments, reference will generally be made to the same or similarparts or structures using an alphabetic suffix, for example 10“a” torefer the spray head of the second embodiment. It should be understoodthat the additional embodiments of the spray head are generallyinterchangeable with the embodiment described above. With this in mind,reference may be made to the brewer 36 and funnel 61 of FIGS. 2 and 4with reference to the other embodiments.

With reference to the figures, FIG. 6 shows a top plan of anotherembodiment of a spray head 10 a. The spray head 10 a is generallycomposed of a generally planer body portion 25 a with a curved partiallyarcuate edge portion or lip portion 15 a on the perimeter thereof. Thespray head 10 a may be made of any suitable material including but notlimited to metal, plastic, or rubber. Although the embodiment shown hasa generally circular body portion 25 a, the body portion 25 a may beshaped in other configurations including but not limited to atriangular, square, rectangle, or oval. Holes 12 a, 20 a formed in thebody portion 25 a and edge 15 a allow heated water to pass through thespray head 10 a and onto the beverage making substance (see FIG. 4)located in the funnel 61 positioned below the spray head 10 a.

Interior holes 12 a are located proximate to the center 19 a of the bodyportion 25 a allowing heated water to pass generally perpendicularlythrough the interior holes 12 a downwardly onto the beverage makingsubstance. The interior holes 12 a are generally radially symmetricalrelative to a center 18 a of the spray head 10 a. The spray head 10 aalso has perimeter holes 20 a located along and formed through the lipportion 15 a. Heated water is dispensed through the water delivery lineor tube 42 a to the spray head 10 a. Water flows over an interiorsurface 26 a of the spray head 10 a and through the holes 12 a, 20 aWater flowing through the holes 12 a, 20 a flows outwardly onto thebeverage making substance. Placement of the both the interior holes 12 aand the perimeter holes 20 a allows dispersion over a greater surfacearea providing more uniform contact between the heated water with thebeverage making substance.

Continuing to reference FIG. 6, connector 49 is in the form of athreaded 52 a nut to attach the spray head 10 a to the tube 42 a of thebrewer 36. The spray head 10 a is positioned in the sump panel 34 a asshown in FIG. 7, in the upper housing portion of the brewer 36 (see FIG.2). As shown in FIG. 7, the nut 50 a is provided with passages 38 in theform of one or more channels 38, shown in broken line, through which theheated water can flow and be dispensed onto the spray head 10 a andsubsequently through the interior holes 12 a and the perimeter holes 20a. FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the nut 50 a along line 9-9 inFIG. 7.

Referring again to FIG. 6, one or more concave dimples 22 are located onthe body portion 25 of the spray head 10 a. Located centrally withineach dimple 22 is a larger dimple hole 27 through which water flows ontothe beverage making substance. The diameters of the interior holes 12 a,the perimeter holes 20 a, and the dimple holes 27 may be in a range ofdiameters to provide different rates of flow through the spray head 10 awhich provides for agitation of the beverage making substance. Suchagitation may improve the taste profile of beverages such as coffee ortea.

When the spray head 10 a is engaged with the sump panel 34 a, a gap 40is present between an edge 28 of the lip portion 15 a and a surface 31 aof the sump panel 34 a. As the water level in the spray head 10 a rises,water is first dispersed from holes 12 a, then from perimeter holes 20a, followed by dispersing from the holes 27. If the heated water levelcontinues to rise above the edge 28 of lip portion 15 a, the heatedwater spills over the edge 28 through the gap 40 and falls on to thesurface area of the beverage making substance.

The dimples 22 provide a grip to rotate the spray head 10 a to attach itto and disengage it from the tube 42 a in the upper housing of thebrewer 36. Once the nut 50 a is disengaged, the spray head 10 a may beremoved and cleaned of particles left by water traveling through thespray head 10 a and mineral deposits which may otherwise affect flowthrough the spray head.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the spray head 10 b. In thisembodiment, a mounting bracket 46 is welded to the peaks 44 of thedimples 22 b. As seen in FIG. 11, the neck 50 b on the mounting bracket46 threadedly attaches with the tube 42 b. Also in this embodiment, thelip portion 15 b is sealed or at least abuts against a surface of thesump panel 34 b by a sealing material or gasket 48. The body 25 abuttingthe sump defines a cavity 32 b. Depending on the material from which thespray head 10 b is made, the sealing material 48 may be made frommaterials including but not limited to latex, vinyl, rubber, orsilicone. Also in this embodiment, the dimples 22 b are shown in analternative trapezoidal shape. In the previous embodiment an arcuateshape for the dimples 22 was shown. The shape of the dimples 22 b shouldnot be limited to the embodiments shown because the dimples 22 b maytake other shapes as well.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the spray head 10 c. In thisembodiment, triangular dimples 22 c are provided to allow a user to gripand twist the spray head 10 a to disengage the spray head 10 a from thesump panel 34 a and the upper housing portion of the beverage maker 36.This embodiment also shows a generally radially extending flange 52extending horizontally from a lip 15 c in the form of a generallyvertical wall. The flange 52 is fitted with a sealing material or gasket48 c made from rubber or another suitable material to provide a seal ofsufficient quality.

With reference to FIG. 13, heated water travels down the tube 42 c,through the channel 56 to fill the spray head 10 c. In this embodiment,the heated water in the cavity 32 c is prevented from spilling from thespray head 10 c by the gasket 48 c on the flange 52. A space 60 definedby the gasket 48 c, the lip 15 c, and the sump panel 34 c may fill withheated water temporarily. Water in the space 60 drains through holes 63in the wall 15 c and into the cavity 32 c defined between the sump 34 cand spray head 10 c and dispensed through the holes 12 c, 20 c.

While a preferred embodiment of the disclosure is shown and described,it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise variousmodifications and equivalents without departing from the spirit andscope of the disclosure as recited in the following claims.

1. A spray head assembly for use with a beverage preparation apparatusto distribute water from the beverage preparation apparatus over abeverage making substance, the spray head assembly comprising: a tophaving a generally planar structure; a bottom including a peripherallip; the top and bottom having generally radially extending perimeteredges; the top and bottom being positioned together and defining agenerally hollow cavity therebetween; a plurality of holes extendingthrough at least a portion of the bottom for dispensing water therefrom;a retainer designed to hold the top and bottom together during operationof the spray head when there is pressure in the spray head from normalwater flow rate forcing the bottom away from the top and designed topermit selective release from the bottom and the top when the spray headis not being operated so as to enable separation of the bottom from thetop, the retainer selectively engageable with at least a portion of thegenerally radially extending perimeter edges of the top and bottom forholding the top and bottom together and permitting selective tool lessdisengagement of the bottom from the top; and a connector on the sprayhead for attaching the spray head to a beverage preparation apparatus.2. The spray head assembly as in claim 1, further comprising: theretainer is an elastomeric member for preventing passage of water frombetween the top and bottom.
 3. The spray head assembly as in claim 1,further comprising: the connector including a neck extending away from asurface of the top for attaching the spray head to a beverage makingapparatus.
 4. The spray head assembly as in claim 3, further comprising:threads formed on an inside surface of the neck for engagingcorresponding threads on a portion of a beverage making apparatus. 5.The spray head assembly as in claim 1, further comprising: a curvedportion of the lip generally between the bottom and the lip.
 6. Thespray head assembly as in claim 5, further comprising: the plurality ofspaced apart holes extending through the curved portion of the lip fordispensing water therefrom at an angle.
 7. The spray head assembly as inclaim 1, further comprising: a plurality of holes extending though thebody generally radially inwardly spaced from the peripheral lip.
 8. Thespray head assembly as in claim 1, further comprising: the top beingdesigned to restrict the flow of fluid into the spray head to a firstflow rate and designed to restrict the flow of fluid into the spray headto a second flow rate.
 9. The spray head assembly as in claim 1, furthercomprising: the top portion being designed to provide a first flow rateof fluid into the spray head and to provide a second flow rate of fluidinto the spray head.
 10. A spray head for use with a beverage makingapparatus to receive liquid from a liquid dispensing path of thebeverage making apparatus and distribute liquid over a beverage makingsubstance retained in proximity to the spray head, the spray headcomprising: a body portion having a top portion and a bottom portiondefining a generally hollow cavity there between, the top portion andthe bottom portion each having a radially outwardly extending perimeteredge; an elastomeric retainer attachable to at least a portion of theperimeter edges of the top portion and bottom portion for holding thetop and bottom together during operation of the spray head when there ispressure in the spray head from normal water flow rate forcing thebottom portion away from the top portion and permitting selectivedisengagement of bottom portion from the top portion when the spray headis not being operated; a lip portion extending generally from aperiphery of the bottom portion, generally radially spaced inwardly fromthe perimeter edge; a plurality of holes extending through at least aportion of the lip portion; a connector carried on the top portion ofthe spray head for removably attaching the spray head to a beveragemaking apparatus for receiving liquid from a liquid dispensing path ofthe beverage making apparatus; and whereby the spray head is removablefrom a beverage making apparatus and the top portion and the bottomportion are disassemblable for facilitating direct contact cleaning ofthe surfaces of at least the body.
 11. The spray head as in claim 10,further comprising: the elastomeric retainer is a gasket member forpreventing passage of water from between the top and bottom.
 12. Thespray head as in claim 10, further comprising: the connector including aneck extending away from a surface of the top portion for attaching thespray head to a beverage making apparatus.
 13. The spray head as inclaim 12, further comprising: threads formed on an inside surface of theneck for engaging corresponding threads on a portion of a beveragemaking apparatus.
 14. The spray head as in claim 10, further comprising:a curved portion of the lip generally between the bottom portion and thelip.
 15. The spray head as in claim 14, further comprising: theplurality of spaced apart holes extending through the curved portion ofthe lip for dispensing water therefrom at an angle.
 16. The spray headas in claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of holes extendingthough the body generally radially inwardly spaced from the peripherallip.
 17. A spray head assembly for receiving water and distributingwater, the spray head assembly comprising: a top having a radiallyoutwardly extending perimeter edge; a bottom having a radially outwardlyextending perimeter edge; at least one of the top and the bottom havinga plurality of holes therein for distributing water from the spray headassembly; at least the other of the top and the bottom having aconnector for attaching the spray head assembly; the top and the bottombeing assembled and defining a generally hollow cavity there between,water entering the cavity and being distributed through the plurality ofholes; and an elastomeric retainer for removably holding the top and thebottom together by engaging at least a portion of the perimeter edges ofthe top and bottom, the elastomeric retainer being designed to hold thetop and bottom together during operation of the spray head when there ispressure in the spray head from normal water flow rate forcing thebottom away from the top and designed to permit selective release fromthe bottom and the top when the spray head is not being operated so asto enable separation of the top from the bottom.
 18. The spray headassembly as in claim 17, further comprising: a curved lip between thetop and bottom.
 19. The spray head assembly as in claim 18, furthercomprising: the curve being outwardly convex; and the plurality ofspaced apart holes extending through the lip at least partially in thecurved portion of the lip for dispensing water therefrom at an angle.20. The spray head assembly as in claim 17, further comprising: aplurality of holes extending though the bottom generally radiallyinwardly spaced from the peripheral lip.
 21. The spray head assembly asin claim 17, further comprising: the connector including a neckextending away from a surface of the top for attaching the spray head toa beverage making apparatus.
 22. A method of cleaning a spray head foruse with a beverage making apparatus, the spray head receiving liquidfrom a liquid dispensing path of a beverage making apparatus anddistributing liquid over a beverage making substance retained inproximity to the spray head, the method of cleaning the spray headcomprising the steps of: providing a body portion having a top and abottom, the top and bottom defining a generally hollow cavity therein;providing an elastomeric retainer for holding together the top andbottom; attaching the elastomeric retainer at least partially along aperimeter edge of the top and bottom; providing a connector attached tothe spray head for removably attaching the spray head to a beveragemaking apparatus for receiving liquid from a liquid dispensing path;removing the spray head from a beverage making apparatus; removing theelastomeric retainer from the top and bottom; and cleaning by directcontact all of the surfaces of at least the top and bottom of the sprayhead.
 23. A method of cleaning a spray head for use with a beveragemaking apparatus, the spray head receiving water from a water dispensingline of a beverage making apparatus and distributing water over abeverage making substance retained in proximity to the spray head, themethod of cleaning the spray head comprising the steps of: providing atop portion and a bottom portion defining a generally hollow cavitytherebetween; providing a retainer for toollessly removably holding thetop portion and bottom portion together; removing the spray head fromthe apparatus; removing the retainer, without the use of tools, from thetop portion and the bottom portion; separating the top portion and thebottom portion, without the use of tools; and cleaning by direct contactall of the surfaces of the top portion and the bottom portion.
 24. Abeverage preparation apparatus having a spray head assembly to receivewater from the beverage making apparatus and distribute the water over abeverage making substance retained in the beverage making apparatus,beverage preparation apparatus comprising: a funnel removably retainedon the apparatus for holding a beverage preparation substance; a waterdistribution line communicating with the spray head for delivering waterto the spray head; a top portion of the spray head; a bottom portion ofthe spray head; the top portion and bottom portion being positionedtogether and defining a generally hollow cavity therebetween; and anelastomeric retainer removably attachable to the top portion and bottomportion for holding the top portion and bottom portion together andpermitting selective tool less disengagement of the bottom portion fromthe top portion, the elastomeric retainer being designed to hold the topportion and bottom portion together during operation of the spray headwhen there is pressure in the spray head from normal water flow rateforcing the portion bottom portion from the top portion and designed topermit selective release from the bottom portion and top portion whenthe spray head is not being operated so as to enable separation of thetop portion from the bottom portion.
 25. The beverage preparationapparatus having a spray head assembly as in claim 24, furthercomprising: the funnel having a mouth through which water is receivedfrom the spray head and an outlet though which beverage is dispensed;the spray head having a radial dimension which is smaller than the mouthof the funnel and larger than the diameter of the outlet of the funnel.26. A spray head assembly for receiving water and distributing water,the spray head assembly comprising: a top portion having a generallyradially outwardly extending perimeter edge; a bottom portion having agenerally radially outwardly extending perimeter edge; the bottomportion having a planar area and an arcuate portion generallysurrounding and extending from the planar portion, a plurality of holesdefined in the planar portion, and a plurality of holes defined at leastpartially in the arcuate portion, the holes distributing water from thespray head assembly; the top portion and the bottom portion beingassembled and defining a cavity there between, water entering the cavityand being distributed through the plurality of holes; an elastomericretainer having a generally symetric cross section sized and dimensionedfor being removably attachable to the perimeter edges of both the topportion and the bottom portion for holding the top portion and thebottom portion together, the elastomeric retainer being designed to holdthe top portion and bottom portion together during operation of thespray head when there is pressure in the spray head from normal waterflow rate forcing the bottom portion away from the top portion anddesigned to release the bottom portion from the top portion when thespray head is not being operated so as to enable separation of the topportion from the bottom portion; and a hollow neck extending from thetop portion generally inwardly into the cavity, water flowing though theneck and into the cavity, the neck restricting flow of water into thecavity.